Council discusses utility issues

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

CLOVERDALE -- Utility manager Don Guthrie went before the town council during its meeting Tuesday to discuss the purchase or rent-to-own of a trailer jet/root cutter combination.

He presented three quotes, but didn't follow the statute in obtaining those quotes. The statute states any purchases exceeding $10,000 or leases/renting exceeding $5,000 must be advertised.

Alan Yackey, the town's attorney, explained to Guthrie he must advertise, have a deadline in accepting bids and hold a formal bid opening.

"You must follow the statute," Yackey said.

Guthrie agreed to do so.

Council member Terry Puffer agreed, though, there is a need for the root cutter.

"There is a root problem in the town and a rooter is needed," Puffer said.

Next, Guthrie discussed having a chain link fence erected around the wastewater treatment facility. He again presented bids for fencing around the entire plant and just portions of it.

Yackey advised if the project is less than $10,000, he should have it in writing.

To have a portion of the property fenced would cost $6,260 and satisfy Indiana Department of Environmental Management regulations. But council members Dennis Padgett and Puffer said they would like to spend the extra money to have the entire property fenced for safety reasons.

A letter from Pat Steele was brought before the council regarding the replacement of a 12-inch drainpipe just past Lafayette Street. Guthrie noted the ends of the pipe had been cleaned and it was clear.

"I will have engineers take a look at it," he said.

Council president Don Sublett agreed to contact Steele regarding the decision.

The council discussed the creation of a town court. It has been a topic for the past eight years, but nothing has been done. The court would not be created until 2010 and not function until the year 2011.

Unchallenged traffic tickets and town ordinance violations would be held in the town court.

"We need to proceed (on this idea)," said Puffer. "It is a way to enforce our own ordinances."

Yackey added it would be a positive to prospective businesses.

The idea was just introduced during the meeting and will be further discussed at future meetings.

It was decided how the election of town council members would be corrected. The election should be 3-2-3-2, but it has become 4-1-4-1 in Cloverdale.

To correct the problem, Puffer's at-large seat will become a three-year term in the 2011 election. It will then return to a four-year seat in the 2014 election.

In other business:

* Clerk-treasurer Patti Truax gave an update on the Keystone software recently purchased by the town.

"Everything is running smoothly," she said. "It's a good program to have (in the office)."

* Treasurer of music boosters at Cloverdale High School Vanessa Short went before the council to report a Halloween carnival will take place from 5 to 11 p.m. the last four Saturdays in October.

There will be a one-third-of-a-mile trail cut out in the cornfield on Lincoln Street. Parking and food will be available. The cost for adults is $5 and $3 for children. Proceeds will help band members purchase letter jackets.

* The final review for the 2010 budget will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 22 at town hall.

* Every Cloverdale resident will be receiving a storm water survey.

* Ordinance 2009-7 regarding the regulated public and private use of sewer and drains was accepted as it was presented.

"It is a difficult process," said Sublett. "IDEM is particular on the wording."

* The new zoning maps have been completed. They will be on the wall at Town Hall soon. Puffer encouraged residents to visit and take a look at them.

"We want as much public input as possible," he said.

* Other approvals by the council were Truax attending a national conference Oct. 17 in Nashville; Sublett attending an IACT annual conference in French Lick; and a roundtable meeting to be held Nov. 17 at town hall.

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